Maui Golf Courses

[907golfer12]

I am going to Maui from the end of December to the middle of January, and we are staying right near the Dunes Golf Course. But I was wondering what other golf courses you guys think I should play. Thanks in advance.

[gortyl]

Not sure about Dunes Golf Course. Went to Maui a couple years ago and played four rounds. Obviously, you have the courses up at Kapalua. Those are the best on the island, bar none. There are three courses there, the Village, the Bay and the Plantation. Although the Plantation has the prestige since it's used for the Mercedes, all three are very nice and you can't go wrong. Unfortunately for me, when I was there, the Plantation course was having it's fairways renovated, so it was shut down. Didn't play Village either as I was staying down in Wailea where I played most of my golf. I did, however, play the Bay Course and loved it....gorgeous part of the island with breathtaking ocean views.

Then you have the courses at Wailea - Emerald, Gold and Blue (I think). I played the Emerald and Gold since those two have had tour stops at some point or another (Champions, LPGA, etc.). They were both meticulously maintained, had some decent views of the ocean and Molokini and saw a few whales from a couple holes. Gold is the superior course. You find yourself always looking out at the ocean and the surroundings and just loving life. Lots of lava that you probably want to avoid as well!

Finally, I played the South course at Makena. I've read varying reviews - some say South is better than North and vice versa. Haven't played the North, but all I can say is, outside of Kapalua, Makena's South course was my favorite on Maui. Couple of great holes along the ocean....which I later saw very easily while snorkeling out near Molokini.

There are a couple of courses up at Ka'anapali as well, but from everything I read, they don't compare to the ones I just walked you through. My rankings - Kapalua Plantation, Makena South, Kapalua Bay, Wailea Gold, Wailea Emerald.

I'm am very jealous of you right now. Maui is the best place on earth, in me and my wife's opinion. Hard not to have fun there, but have fun anyway and go do the powered hang-gliding over at the Hana Airport (google it)....

[gortyl]

oh yeah, or you can look further down in the Playgrounds area and find a huge chat about Maui golf.....forgot about that....